Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What purpose does a funeral serve?

For those who are left behind, a funeral provides a place for family and friends to gather for support and to reminisce; an opportunity to celebrate the life and accomplishments of a loved one; a chance to say goodbye; and the focal point from which the healing process can begin.

The funeral identifies that a person’s life has been lived, not that a death has occurred. It is also important to notify the community that this person has died. There are people beyond the immediate family who have the right to grieve a death.

Q: How much does a funeral cost?

Funeral costs are divided into three parts. The first part is the funeral home service charges. The second part is the casket, outer burial container and/or urn selected. The third part is the non-funeral home costs like cemetery/crematory expenses and newspaper notices.

We offer a Complete Funeral Service Package with purchase of casket from our selection for $5,695.00

This charge includes the basic services of the funeral director and staff, transfer of remains to the funeral home, embalming and other preparation of the remains, use of the facilities for one day of visitation (four hours), use of facilities and/or equipment and staff for a funeral service in the funeral home or a church or other off-premise location, hearse, service car, register book and acknowledgment cards. The total cost of this arrangement, if priced separately would be $5,885.00.

2. Caskets range in price from $995 to $12495 depending on the material they are constructed from (i.e. cherry, pine, mahogany, poplar, oak, steel, stainless steel, copper, bronze), the interior fabric (velvet or crepe), the finish (polished or satin), and the thickness of the material. Outer burial containers range in price from $1,395 to $6895. Urns range in price from $35 to $245.

3. The non-funeral costs are outside charges, which the funeral home pays on the family’s behalf. After receiving payment from the family, the funeral home distributes each payment accordingly. These costs include cemetery expenses (which can range from $500 to $5,000 or more), newspaper notices (which can range from $75 to $750 or more), flowers, musicians, clergy offerings, and many other items.

Q: Is cremation less expensive than burial?

In most cases cremation is less expensive than burial. Cremation does not require a burial vault and the crematory fees are typically less expensive than cemetery grave opening fees.

Q: May I make all the necessary arrangements in advance?

Yes, usually all arrangements may be made in advance. When you plan ahead, you will be able to consider the many options available. You will have the opportunity to make an informed decision about your funeral and cemetery arrangements, and the form of memorial you prefer. You will be able to make choices that are meaningful to both you and your family, and you will gain peace of mind knowing your family and friends will be relieved of the emotional and financial burden often associated with making arrangements when a death occurs. By pre-arranging your funeral and cemetery services, you benefit by purchasing at today’s prices, free from inflationary pressures in the future. Our prices are guaranteed.

Q: Are casket stores a less expensive option?

Our caskets are priced competitively and will match any price a casket store offers. The difference is in convenience. You need to consider several things. If you were to buy the casket before it’s needed, who will store the casket, you or the company you purchased it from? If you buy it without delivery, you need to know how your purchase will be protected. Also, you may want to know if the product has any warranties or guarantees attached to it. If you select to purchase a casket from a third-party vendor, be certain that the seller will guarantee the specific product you purchase be available at the ultimate time of need and will include delivery to wherever it is needed. These are not issues when purchasing the casket from us.

Q: If a loved one dies out of state, can the local funeral home still help?

Yes, we recommend calling us first. We will arrange with an out of state colleague to assist you on our behalf.

Q: I’ve decided on cremation. Can I still have a funeral or a viewing?

Yes. People who chose cremation often have a traditional funeral with visiting hours and a Mass or Service in a church or at the funeral home. Cremation follows rather than burial at a cemetery. A Memorial Service in the funeral home after cremation is another option which can allow your family and friends to celebrate your life.

Q: What do funeral directors do?

Primarily we care for and safeguard the deceased person until final disposition, including embalming and and providing restorative work. In order to provide a tribute to your loved one we arrange and provide an orderly series of events that finalize the funeral, the final disposition, and legal paperwork. These includecoordination with clergy, cemeteries, crematories, reception halls, restaurants, florists, musicians, veteran honor guards, veteran benefit offices, social security, city/town clerks and health departments, doctors’ offices, medical examiners’ offices, newspapers, airlines and websites. We also provide a comfortable environment for families, their visitors and friends.

Q: Should children attend funerals?

Children grieve just as adults do. Any child old enough to form a relationship will experience some form of grief when a relationship is severed. As adults we may not view a child’s behavior as grief as it often is demonstrated in ways which we misunderstand as “moody”, “cranky”, “withdrawn” or other behavioral patterns which do not appear to us to be grief. When a death occurs children need to be surrounded by feelings of warmth, acceptance and understanding. This may be a tall order to expect of the adults who are experiencing their own grief and upset. Caring adults can guide children through this time when the child is experiencing feelings for which they have no words and thus cannot identify. In a very real way, this time can be a growth experience for the child, teaching about love and relationships. The first task is to create an atmosphere in which the child’s thoughts, fears and wishes are recognized. This means that they should be allowed to participate in any of the arrangements, ceremonies and gatherings which are comfortable for them. First, explain what will be happening and why it is happening at a level the child can understand. A child may not be able to speak at a grandparent’s funeral but would benefit greatly from the opportunity to draw a picture to be placed in the casket or displayed at the service. Be aware that children will probably have short attention spans and may need to leave a service or gathering before the adults are ready. Many families provide a non-family attendant to care for the children in this event. The key is to allow the participation, not to force it. Forced participation can be harmful. Children instinctively have a good sense of how involved they wish to be. They should be listened to carefully.

Q: How can I help a grieving child?

Be there for the child. Listen when she needs to talk, and hug them when she need comfort.

Relay fond memories about the loved one to the child, and encourage him to share his own memories.

Encourage the child to draw a picture or write a letter to her loved one. She can bring a stuffed animal or favorite book. These items could be placed in the casket.

Frame a picture of the loved one for the child or give the child another memento to remember his loved one by.

Involve the child in the funeral service. If the child fells able, let her read a poem or letter she has written, sing or play a song during the service, or even just attend the funeral with family and friends.